2026 Women in Construction: Michele Holmes, Grassi

What do you wish more women knew about the opportunities available in the construction industry today? The construction industry offers significant opportunities for women to thrive. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of women in construction has grown steadily over the past decade, increasing by 45%. Nearly 40% of women in the industry now hold leadership roles. There are countless opportunities to explore, from owning contracting firms to working as architects, engineers, accountants, attorneys, or union and nonunion laborers.

What is one piece of advice or perspective you would share with women beginning their careers in the construction industry? To succeed, be confident in your knowledge and in yourself. Create connections with other women who will help you learn and grow. Construction may once have been seen as a male-dominated industry, but that has changed, and more opportunities will continue to open for women. It’s an intricate, dynamic industry, and I love that about my work. I’ve had wonderful experiences collaborating with both men and women in the industry, and with more than 25 years of experience, I’ve reached the same milestones and industry recognition as my male counterparts.

What is something outside of work that brings you energy, balance or creativity? Spending quality time with my family, especially my children, who are 17 and 19 and whom I have raised throughout my career.

What current or recently completed project, accomplishment or initiative are you most excited about, and why does it matter for your team, clients or community? As treasurer of the WCOE Metro NY (Women’s Construction Owners and Executives), I am honored to support an organization dedicated to advancing small and women-owned businesses through business connections, education, and advocacy. By working to level the playing field, WCOE gives women the tools and opportunities to lead with confidence and professionalism. The entire industry becomes stronger when everyone is empowered to succeed. 

What emerging challenge or opportunity do you see shaping the construction industry in the next few years, and how are you preparing for it? With a significant portion of construction leadership set to retire over the next 5 years, the industry is focusing on succession planning, including Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and leadership development programs. At the same time, the rise of digital tools such as building information modeling (BIM) is reshaping required skill sets. To prepare, we’re helping our clients ready their workforce for the future by emphasizing technical innovation and investing in the next generation of leaders.

What habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated during a busy week? I stay focused on the end result. Knowing how my work helps clients succeed provides me with a sense of accomplishment.

Share one fun or unexpected detail about yourself that colleagues might not know. For most of my children’s lives, I was a single parent, which was both a challenging and rewarding experience.